News

Back at practice following injury scare

Analysis: The Bills got a scare when both of their top two quarterbacks went down Sunday, but in the end both were just minor issues and Peterman and AJ McCarron are set to resume their battle to win the starting job.

Published: Mon, Aug 13 at 6:04am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Injures throwing arm

Peterman injured his right arm during Sunday's practice, Mike Rodak of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Peterman didn't take any practice reps after falling awkwardly on his throwing arm, but the training staff did have the quarterback toss the ball under their supervision, per Joe Buscaglia of WKBW.com. The issue comes on the heels of fellow quarterback AJ McCarron suffering an apparent lower right leg injury, which was stretched out multiple times by the trainers. The severity of both concerns is unknown, but rookie Josh Allen may now have the chance he needs to stake a claim to the top job.

Published: Sun, Aug 12 at 1:26pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Impressive preseason debut

Peterman, who started and ran with the first team Thursday against the Panthers, completed nine of 10 passes for 119 yards. He tossed a 28-yard TD pass to Kelvin Benjamin and threw an interception on his only miss.

Analysis: Peterman is competing with AJ McCarron to win the starting job, and both quarterbacks were superb in the preseason opener, with Peterman posting a 110.0 rating to McCarron's 108.8. We'll see if the Bills flip things, as they've been doing all summer, and give McCarron the preseason start next week. While it was clear that rookie Josh Allen has more size and a much bigger arm than the two veterans, Allen hasn't done much work at all with the first team and this looks like a two-man race for the…read more

Published: Thu, Aug 9 at 6:51pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Starting over McCarron

Analysis: Peterman has swapped first- and second-team reps with AJ McCarron during the offseason program and training camp, but the former is getting the first shot under center in exhibition action. The decision by coach Sean McDermott may not mean much in the long run if Peterman can't take advantage of the situation. The Bills have been working a pre-planned rotation all summer, so for now we're not going to read more into Peterman starting until the rotation starts to change.

Published: Thu, Aug 9 at 3:21pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Back with first-teamers

After working behind AJ McCarron for practices Wednesday and Thursday, Peterman was back with the first unit again Friday, Mitchell Courtney of the Bills' official site reports. "It was part of the plan from the beginning," said coach Sean McDermott. "Because we went red zone, we wanted to make sure that Nate [Peterman] and AJ [McCarron] had time in the red zone. If we stuck with the normal rotation, Nate [Peterman] would have gone again."

Analysis: Thursday was the first time this summer that one of the two quarterbacks saw the bulk of the first-team work on consecutive days, but McDermott is now saying that was all by design. That still can't change the fact most observers say McCarron has looked better through the early part of training camp, so we'll continue to consider Peterman the No. 2 in this race, with No. 7 overall pick Josh Allen remaining the long-term answer no matter what happens.

Published: Fri, Aug 3 at 11:38pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Falling behind to McCarron?

Peterman's teammate AJ McCarron took first-team reps at Bills practice for the second consecutive day Thursday, Joe Buscaglia of WKBW.com reports.

Analysis: Peterman had been flip-flopping with McCarron in terms of practicing with the first team all the way back to minicamps, so there's a chance McCarron -- who has been the favorite to win the three-man job -- has started to pull ahead. Friday's full practice session will prove more telling. If we had to pick one of the three quarterbacks (seventh overall pick Josh Allen is the other contender) to lead the team for the first drive of the regular season, it'd be McCarron, but rest assured this is…read more

Published: Thu, Aug 2 at 3:17pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Bills head coach Sean McDermott indicated Thursday that he plans on having Peterman and AJ McCarron share most of the reps with the first-team offense once training camp gets underway, Mike Rodak of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: The Bills have already been using McCarron and Peterman as the primary signal-callers for the first-team offense during OTAs and minicamp, with rookie first-round pick Josh Allen only mixing in occasionally with the top group. Given Buffalo's decision to trade up to the seventh overall pick to select Allen, it would be surprising if he didn't see the field at some point in 2018, but for the time being, it appears McCarron and Peterman have the edge on entering Week 1 under center. According to…read more

Published: Thu, Jun 14 at 9:30am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Peterman is likely to have more competition for the starting quarterback spot after the Bills traded up to select Josh Allen with the seventh overall selection in Thursday's first round.

Analysis: While coach Sean McDermott has been preaching open competition for the starting quarterback job, Peterman seems like the longest of long shots given that the Bills found AJ McCarron in free agency and then traded up to make Allen the supposed long-time franchise QB. Even if McCarron flops or the Bills take a huge step back following their first playoff season since 1999, they'd be much more prone to throw the highly regarded Allen into the fire. We can't see Peterman doing much more than…read more

Published: Sun, Apr 29 at 7:32pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Coach Sean McDermott stated last week that the starting QB job will be decided through competition, Dominic LoVallo of BuffaloBills.com reports. "We've got open competition at the position. We've got two good players at the position," McDermott said in referring to Peterman and newcomer AJ McCarron. "Two, good, young players and we're excited about both of them. Both have done a lot of winning, albeit at the college level. Both quarterbacks have a lot of room to grow and are very encouraged about the opportunity to compete to start for the Buffalo Bills."

Analysis: McDermott is a fine young coach, but he's also grown a quick knack for saying things like everything is a competition and no one's job is safe, including his own. So while it makes for good coach-speak, we doubt the Bills went out and landed McCarron only so they could let a much younger QB like Peterman, who struggled last season sneak away his job in some tryout. In fact, Peterman might not even win the No. 2 job if the Bills go out and draft a highly touted quarterback with one of their two…read more

Published: Tue, Apr 3 at 9:01pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

The Bills signed AJ McCarron on Wednesday, which immediately pushes Peterman down the depth chart.

Analysis: There's very little chance the Bills ponied up for McCarron -- one of the last starting caliber quarterbacks available as all the dominoes fell this week -- to have him compete with Peterman for the job, so last year's fifth-rounder from Pittsburgh is for now relegated to the No. 2 spot. He could be fighting for that assignment soon too, with the Bills likely to take another quarterback early in next month's draft.

Published: Wed, Mar 14 at 6:56pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

The Bills traded Peterman's teammate, Tyrod Taylor, to the Browns on Friday in exchange for a third-round pick.

Analysis: The deal won't become official until Wednesday when the new league year opens, though everybody -- including Taylor himself -- has confirmed it's a done deal. That leaves Peterman, who's about to enter his second season, as the top quarterback left for the Bills, though it's almost a certainty the team brings in a start-able free agent with the newfound cash, or at least goes after one of the top four quarterbacks in the draft. It's also possible both of those things happen. We'd be shocked if…read more

Published: Sat, Mar 10 at 10:11pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Peterman came into Sunday's 10-3 AFC wild-card loss to the Jaguars with 1:16 remaining in the fourth quarter in place of Tyrod Taylor (concussion) and went 1-for-3 for 14 yards with an interception. He also rushed once for four yards and recovered his own fumble.

Analysis: Peterman was pressed into duty when Taylor was hurt on the Bills' final drive. To his credit, he provided immediate results despite drawing the proverbial short straw in terms of game script, as he immediately was forced to scramble under heavy pressure with Buffalo's season on the line on a 4th-and-3 from their own 44. Peterman was able to get just enough for a first down and held on to the ball after momentarily losing the handle as he went to the ground. Following an impressive 14-yard…read more

Published: Sun, Jan 7 at 2:28pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Analysis: Peterman did not suit up for Sunday's matchup with the Dolphins due to his concussion, but it appears that will be the extent of his absence, barring any setbacks this week. Expect Peterman to reclaim his role as the Bills' backup quarterback behind Tyrod Taylor.

Published: Mon, Dec 18 at 10:57am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Peterman (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Dolphins.

Analysis: Though listed as a full practice participant Thursday and Friday, the Bills won't rush the quarterback through the NFL's concussion protocol. With Peterman sitting out this week, Joe Webb is poised to serve as the backup to Tyrod Taylor (knee), who will reclaim starting duties following a one-game absence.

Published: Fri, Dec 15 at 10:40am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Peterman is still going through concussion protocol in advance of Sunday's game against the Dolphins, while teammate Tyrod Taylor (knee) is healthy enough to be the starter again this week, Chris Brown of the Bills' official site reports.

Analysis: Peterman can still be cleared ahead of Sunday's kickoff, but for fantasy purposes he's not in play this week -- at best he'll serve as Taylor's backup.

Published: Fri, Dec 15 at 8:40am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Peterman (concussion) was a full participant in practice Thursday, Chris Brown of the Bills' official site reports.

Analysis: After logging only a limited session Wednesday, it's clear Peterman is progressing from the concussion, but he still remains in the protocol. Peterman nonetheless looks like he's in line to gain clearance for contact before Sunday's game against the Dolphins, which would set the stage for him to reprise his normal backup role behind Tyrod Taylor (knee). After practicing fully the last two days, Taylor is on track to return from a one-game absence and start Sunday.

Published: Thu, Dec 14 at 2:44pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

As of Thursday, Peterman remains in the NFL's concussion protocol, Mike Rodak of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: He's been able to work in a limited fashion, but with fellow QB Tyrod Taylor (knee) practicing fully, Peterman is poised to revert to backup duty if he gains medical clearance in advance of Sunday's game against the Dolphins. In the event that Peterman is unavailable this weekend, Joe Webb would slot in behind Taylor in Week 15.

Published: Thu, Dec 14 at 10:18am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Bills head coach Sean McDermott said Peterman remains in the NFL's concussion protocol and will be a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Peterman's ability to practice suggests that he has progressed through the protocol on at least some level, but he'll need to put in a full practice before the end of the week and receive clearance from an independent neurologist in order to dress Sunday against the Dolphins. The rookie, who started in the Week 14 win over the Colts in place of the injured Tyrod Taylor (knee) before exiting with the concussion, is expected to return to a backup role once cleared with Taylor set to go through…read more

Published: Wed, Dec 13 at 7:03am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Lands in concussion protocol

Peterman is in the NFL's concussion protocol, Mike Rodak of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: With Tyrod Taylor (knee) unable to play and Peterman forced out early, Joe Webb finished off Sunday's 13-7 win over the Colts in the snow. Per Rodak, Bills head coach Sean McDermott said Monday that Taylor will still be the starter if he's healthy enough to play. Given that he managed limited practice Thursday and Friday, the mobile veteran seems to be on the right track for Sunday's home game against the Dolphins. Buffalo figures to have Taylor or Peterman, if not both, available for that game.

Published: Mon, Dec 11 at 10:14am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Forced out of Sunday's game

Peterman was forced out of Sunday's game against the Colts with a concussion.

Analysis: Peterman completed five of 10 passes for 57 yards and a TD, while adding four carries for 10 yards, prior to his exit. Joe Webb is in at QB for the Bills, with Tyrod Taylor (knee) unavailable Sunday.

Published: Sun, Dec 10 at 12:16pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Peterman will start in place of Tyrod Taylor (knee) in Sunday's game against the Colts.

Analysis: In his only previous start, Peterman threw five interceptions in the first half against the Chargers before being replaced by Taylor. Overall, in his three appearances this season, Peterman has completed 19 of 39 passes for 195 yards, and a TD to go along with the five picks he tossed in Week 11. With that in mind, the 2017 fifth-rounder has nowhere to go but up, and given that the 3-9 Colts have had trouble stopping the pass to date, at least Sunday's matchup is working in Peterman's favor.…read more

Published: Sun, Dec 10 at 9:11am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Expected to start Sunday

Peterman is expected to start Sunday, per a source, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Peterman will fill in for the injured Tyrod Taylor (knee), who has been deemed questionable for Week 14's game against the Colts.

Published: Sat, Dec 9 at 8:54pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Peterman remains in the mix to start Sunday against the Colts with Bills head coach Sean McDermott indicating that top quarterback Tyrod Taylor (knee) will remain limited at practice Friday and will be a game-time decision in Week 14.

Analysis: Things seem to be trending toward Taylor playing this week even though there's some cloudiness surrounding his situation, but more clarity on that front should arrive 90 minutes before Sunday's 1 p.m. EST kickoff. Buffalo is barely hanging around for the last wild-card spot, so at some point down the stretch, Peterman could get another look as the starter even if Taylor prove fit to play. If he ends up playing Sunday, Peterman, who tossed five interceptions in the first half of his lone start…read more

Published: Fri, Dec 8 at 7:50am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Peterman entered Sunday's 23-3 loss to the Patriots early in the fourth quarter in relief of Tyrod Taylor (knee) and completed six of 15 passes for 50 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. He also gained nine yards on his sole rush.

Analysis: Peterman looked downright serviceable in comparison to his disastrous one-half stint as a starter in Week 11 versus the Chargers, a game in which he threw five interceptions on 14 pass attempts before getting the hook. The 23-year-old averaged only 3.3 yards per attempt Sunday, but his opportunities came with the Bills facing a sizable deficit in the fourth quarter and the Patriots focusing on the pass. Depending on Taylor's health, Peterman could find himself under center again in Week 14…read more

Published: Sun, Dec 3 at 4:47pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Heads to bench for Week 12

Peterman will return to a backup role Sunday against the Chiefs after Bills head coach Sean McDermott named Tyrod Taylor the team's starting quarterback for the contest.

Analysis: The unproven Peterman's appointment to the starting role ahead of the Week 11 game against the Chargers was always a bit of a head scratcher with the Bills in the thick of the wild-card race, and the rookie only made the decision look more foolish by tossing five interceptions on only 14 pass attempts in the first half before being benched. Though the Bills lost by 30 points, the offense ran more smoothly with Taylor under center in the second half, so the veteran will reclaim his perch atop…read more

Published: Wed, Nov 22 at 6:55am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Could get another start

Analysis: After Peterman was pulled at halftime of his first NFL start with a historically bad stat line -- five interceptions on 14 attempts -- it widely was assumed the Bills would turn right back to Tyrod Taylor, who at least played well in mop-up duty during the second half of Sunday's 54-24 loss to the Chargers. That apparently isn't the case, as McDermott has yet to name a Week 12 starter and even seems to be dropping hints that Peterman could get the nod again. The Bills are still in the playoff…read more

Published: Mon, Nov 20 at 12:37pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Peterman was replaced by Tyrod Taylor after throwing five interceptions in the first half of Sunday's 54-24 loss to the Bills.

Analysis: Buffalo's decision to start the fifth-round rookie backfired in a major way, as Peterman essentially handed a victory to another AFC wild-card contender. A pick-six on the opening drive wasn't actually his fault and the final interception may have been caused by a bad route, but the other three were caused by bad throws and bad decisions. Peterman also failed to move the ball, completing only six of 14 passes for 66 yards, with two carries for four yards. Tyrod Taylor seemingly played well…read more

Published: Sun, Nov 19 at 4:45pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Named Week 11 starter

Bills head coach Sean McDermott announced Wednesday that Peterman would start at quarterback Sunday against the Chargers, Chris Brown of the Bills' official site reports. "I've been impressed with the maturity from Nathan Peterman. I'm comfortable making a calculated risk to try and get us where we need to go," McDermott said.

Analysis: Incumbent Tyrod Taylor's season-long numbers weren't especially bad, but the Bills have struggled mightily in losses to the Jets and Saints the last two weeks, with the quarterback submitting his worst outing of the season Sunday against New Orleans. As a result, the Bills will turn to the fifth-round rookie out of Pittsburgh and see where that leads after Peterman completed seven of 10 passes for 79 yards and a touchdown Sunday in relief duty, which was also his first regular-season action in…read more

Published: Wed, Nov 15 at 6:51am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Peterman saw his first regular-season action as a pro during garbage time of Sunday's blowout loss to the Saints, completing seven of 10 passes for 79 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions.

Analysis: The rookie was impressive all preseason and there was even talk of him winning the starting job for a rebuilding team, but in the end the Bills wisely went with Tyrod Taylor. The veteran and the team have performed better than expected, at least until the last two games. Taylor and the entire starting offense was off its game Sunday, and even though the Bills are reeling all of a sudden, coach Sean McDermott quickly put any thought of a quarterback change to rest. While that's out of the way,…read more

Published: Sun, Nov 12 at 9:36pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com